Matthews argued with a former Gettysburg College journalism professor who said people like Matthews changed the face of journalism profession, possibly not for the better. While the former professor said Matthews should focus more on the facts than dialogue, Matthews responded with a quick, "It's your job as a grown-up to put it together." Matthews went on to argue there was no such thing as objective fact and that all news was an opinion. He suggested people read a mix of local and national newspapers, watch a variety of shows and decide for themselves. "I don't expect anyone to turn off my show and say that's the received truth," he said. Television Journalist Chris Matthews served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Swaziland in the 1960's.
Chris Matthews discusses journalism at Gettysburg College
Chris Matthews plays 'hardball' with Gettysburg college audience
By KATHARINE HARMON
Evening Sun Reporter
Article Launched: 09/17/2008 09:48:46 AM EDT
Chris Matthews might not have been on the set of "Hardball" when he spoke at Gettysburg College Tuesday night, but the television personality took on audience members during the question-and-answer session just as he would have on his nightly show.
Matthews addressed a packed ballroom in the campus' College Union Building as the first speaker in the Eisenhower Institute's fall speakers series.
The college was able to book Matthews through one of its first-year students whose mother is the executive producer for MSNBC's "Hardball with Chris Matthews."
Matthews covered several issues surrounding the upcoming election and both of the candidates but was quick to use humor and quips to keep from directly commenting on whom he would vote for or if he is seriously considering taking on Sen. Arlen Specter in the 2010 Senate race.
He started off the night saying he has the "best job of all" and gets paid more than most senators, which got a laugh out of the crowd.
With eight weeks until the presidential election, Matthews spoke of Pennsylvania's significance, saying Republicans were doing their best to take control. It gives the state the chance to make up for its nickname, the Keystone State, he added.
Matthews called anyone not registered to vote in the November election a "bonehead," adding that the deciding factor is if people are comfortable with things as they are now, or if they want change.
In what he calls an important election, Matthews
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said people will vote for someone they believe can address the issues they see are a problem, often voting for someone they normally wouldn't support.
But if he was hinting that he thought Barack Obama was that person, Matthews wouldn't say, even though he's expressed support of the candidate in the past.
Matthews spoke of John McCain, suggesting he not run as the defender of the status quo because the current status quo can't be defended at this time.
Matthews commented on vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, saying her "dazzle factor reached the point of diminished return" although she did help boost McCain's ratings until people returned to reality, he added.
On the other hand, Matthews said Obama is trying to revive the public sector, something this country needs to remain competitive with the rest of the world in the future.
He called Obama "radically different" from President George W. Bush, who he said was big on spending and borrowing money and fighting lots of wars.
By focusing on alternative energy, public education, infrastructure, climate change and regulation - things Matthews said Obama does - this country would have a "good shot to compete in the next century."
While Matthews said he believed this country faces a "Niagara Falls worth of challenges," he said it can be done.
During the question-and-answer session, Matthews returned to his "Hardball" routine, quarreling with Muriel Crabbs, a Hanover attorney and delegate to the Republican National Convention, and calling her "babe" as they disagreed.
He also argued with a former Gettysburg College journalism professor who said people like Matthews changed the face of journalism profession, possibly not for the better.
While the former professor said Matthews should focus more on the facts than dialogue, Matthews responded with a quick, "It's your job as a grown-up to put it together."
Matthews went on to argue there was no such thing as objective fact and that all news was an opinion. He suggested people read a mix of local and national newspapers, watch a variety of shows and decide for themselves.
"I don't expect anyone to turn off my show and say that's the received truth," he said.
Following the question-and-answer session, Matthews spent time signing copies of his most recent book, "Life's a Campaign," before getting back on the road to Washington, D.C., to get ready for today's edition of "Hardball."
Contact Katharine Harmon at kharmon@eveningsun.com. plays 'hardball' with college audience
